Bucs News Round Up

The Bucs have had Al Singleton and Jeremiah Trotter in for workouts this week. Trotter was released last week by the Eagles and was in Tampa on Thursday. The Eagles decided to cut the 4 time Pro Bowler in favour of Omar Gaither who they feel is the future of the MLB spot in Philly. The Bucs are in need of some depth at the MLB position after Antoine Cash was placed on IR last week. However the Bucs traded an undisclosed draft pick to the Jets for Jerry Mackey so what is the interest in Trotter and Singleton ?

In Barrett Ruud they have a MLB who has played understudy to Shelton Quarles since he was drafted in 2005. Ruud seems to fit the Tampa linebacker mould and has impressed me in his limited playing time. I’m sure if Trotter is brought in would be looking for serious playing time at MLB and where does that put Barrett Ruud ? Certainly Trotter could be a force against the run but I’m not sure if he has the skills and pace to drop back in coverage, something the Tampa defensive schemes require the MLB to do. In Singleton they have an ex Buccaneer who would fit in quickly and most likely act as backup to Ruud. If Trotter is signed then who would be the #1 guy in the middle ? Also in trying out such a high profile player what does it say about the Bucs confidence in Ruud ? Are they looking for help or is it just a sign to Ruud that he needs to solidify himself as the #1 ?

Aaron Sears

Sears had to be helped from the field on Tuesday after what initially looked like a worrying injury. However the signs out of Tampa seem positive and although Sears will miss the game against the Dolphins he should be fit for the season opener. Sears, a versatile lineman out of Tennessee was one of the Bucs 2nd round picks and he has won the starting LG position in camp, relegating Antony Davis and Dan Beunning to backups. Sears seems to be another key piece in the revamp of the Bucs offensive line. He’s a big guy and should help in opening some lanes for the run game.

Tanard Jackson

One of the few positives to come out of the Jacksonville game was the play of Jackson. The rookie got glowing praise for his performances and could be looking to unseat Will Allen for the Free Safety role. Jackson a 3rd round pick from Syracuse played CB his entire college career and the Bucs asked him to try out at S during the Senior Bowl. This insight clearly affected the thinking of the Bucs and they went and got their man. The safety play was poor last season and if Jackson continues to impress I’m hoping he can get that starting job.